THE OUTDOOR SCIENTIST

A well-known animal scientist, engineer, and spokesperson for people with autism shares the enthusiasm she’s had since childhood for the natural world.

In a chatty narrative organized in topical chapters—rocks, the beach, the woods, birds, the night skies, and animal behavior—Grandin weaves memories of her childhood passion for the natural world with facts she’s learned since. She shares some challenges she faced as an autistic child as well as some advantages of her difference. Throughout, she conveys a continuing sense of wonder and a habit of close observation. Interstitial segments recount stories of other scientists, often mentioning their early interests. Each chapter also includes clear directions for do-it-yourself projects, 40 in all, from making your own crystals to keeping track of monarch butterflies. Within the narrative, she often includes websites and book titles, showing her readers how she learned and encouraging their further investigations. Several chapters and the book conclude with reminders that our Earth needs some help. Within each general area, the science conveyed is prompted by her memories rather than an organized survey. She demonstrates how curiosity can propel and fulfill a human being to learn all kinds of things. Readers will, too, since the book is chock-full of information—occasionally incomplete or misleading but mostly the kind a nature-loving child will be thrilled to discover.

An invitation to young readers to observe, enjoy, and learn about the world around us all.